It was a sunny afternoon downtown, and I was wandering aimlessly, enjoying the rare quiet of the city, when I spotted Winnie the Pooh sitting on a bench outside the bakery. He wasn’t his usual honey-loving, carefree self. His shoulders slumped, and he looked like he’d just lost his last jar of honey.
Concerned, I made my way over. “Pooh, you okay?” I asked. He let out a deep sigh. “Oh, Bruce, I don’t understand it. There’s no Heffalumps chasing me, no big challenges, no lost honey pots. I’m moving forward, but I feel... sad. Depressed even. It’s like something’s missing, and I don’t know what.”
His words hit me like a ton of bricks because I knew exactly what he meant. “Pooh,” I began, “you’re describing something I know all too well. Let me tell you a story.”
The Journey to Values
I shared with Pooh how, for 20 years, my challenges of Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD ran the show. On the outside, it looked like I was doing great—steady job, a nice home, plenty of gadgets and toys to fill the hours. But on the inside? Miserable. I was constantly falling into depression, feeling powerless and stuck. It all culminated in a dark moment where I tried to end my life.
“But then I got a second chance,” I said. “And I realized something critical: Mental health is the key to overcoming challenges and building a life you truly want. And that starts with identifying your values.”
Pooh tilted his head. “Values? Like the things I love most? Honey? Naps?” “Sort of,” I said, smiling. “But it’s deeper than that. Values aren’t just what we like—they’re what guide us. They’re how we want to live our lives and what we want to accomplish. If we don’t know our values, we might move forward, but it’s in the wrong direction. And that can leave us feeling lost.”
Pooh nodded, his ears perking up slightly. “So how do I figure out my values?”
The One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior
I told Pooh about my book, the One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior. The concept is simple but powerful: What if everything that made you happy could fit into one bag? The idea isn’t about owning less but focusing on what truly matters—experiences, not things.
“Living this way helped me align my actions with my values and helped me triumph over my life's challenges,” I said. “Let me give you three examples from my life and how this new way of living made me stronger!”
Example 1: Less Stuff, Less Anxiety
“First,” I said, “needing less stuff helped me with my anxiety disorders. I used to stress about needing more and more—better gadgets, more clothes, bigger everything. It was exhausting. But now, by focusing on what really matters, I feel lighter and less anxious.”
Pooh scratched his chin thoughtfully. “I suppose I do have a lot of empty honey pots lying around. Maybe I could let go of some. It might help me feel less cluttered and worried.” “Exactly,” I said. “Clearing out physical clutter can clear mental clutter too.”
Example 2: The Value of Connection
“Second,” I continued, “I now prioritize connecting with people and sharing experiences. I used to hide from everyone, drowning my loneliness in alcohol. But now, I find so much joy in connecting with others that I don’t even think about drinking.”
Pooh’s face lit up. “You know, I could spend more time visiting my friends instead of sitting alone, thinking about honey. Maybe we could go on more adventures together.” “Absolutely,” I said. “Sharing moments with others can be more fulfilling than anything you could own.”
Example 3: Experiences Over Things
“Third,” I said, “focusing on experiences has helped me manage my Bipolar Disorder. Instead of spending time maintaining material goods, I spend my energy doing things that matter. By staying engaged with experiences, I stay emotionally centered, even when Bipolar tries to send me spinning.”
Pooh’s eyes widened. “I could take Piglet and Eeyore on a picnic instead of worrying about stocking up on honey. That would be an experience we’d all enjoy!” “Exactly,” I said. “And by focusing on those moments, you’ll build memories that keep you grounded, no matter what’s happening around you.”
Pooh’s Plan for a One Bag Life
Pooh’s ears twitched with excitement as he imagined how these ideas could help him and his friends. “So, less stuff, more connection, and lots of experiences,” he said, ticking them off on his fuzzy fingers. “I think I can do that.”
“I know you can,” I said, pulling a book out of my bag. “Here’s a copy of the One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior. Consider it an early gift.” Pooh clutched the book like it was the most precious honey jar he’d ever held. “Thank you, Bruce! I’m going to read this tonight and start living my one bag life tomorrow!”
Wrapping It Up
As we parted ways, I watched Pooh bounce off toward the Hundred Acre Wood, a spring in his step that hadn’t been there earlier. He was still carrying his grocery bag, but now it was accompanied by a new sense of purpose.
For me, the moment was a reminder of why I created the Mental Health Warrior Program. Life’s challenges don’t disappear, but by living according to what we value, focusing on what truly matters, we can find happiness and motivation—even in the toughest times!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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